On this day (Dec. 20th), over a half century ago (1971), one of my all-time favorite movies was released: "Harold and Maude." The movie quickly became a cult classic and is on the Top Five list of many film-lovers.
Buoyed by boisterous music from Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam), the movie is comedic and philosophical. It touched the Zeitgeist of the Seventies exactly as "The Graduate" had the Sixties. The film tells the story of Harold, a young man confused by life who attends strangers' funerals for diversion. At one, he encounters a wild free spirit who expands Harold's perspective. Maude, a 79-year old Holocaust survivor, teaches Harold to loosen up and savor experiences. A key moment is when Harold spots a concentration camp tattoo on Maude's arm.
The humor and insights of "Harold and Maude" hold up. Re-watching the movie now continues to entertain us. If you've never seen it and want to laugh, hie thee to a screen!
I’ve never seen Harold and Maude, but after reading your post it’s going onto my must-watch list. Your description makes it sound like one of those films that’s funny, unsettling, and quietly profound all at once, the kind that lingers long after the credits roll.
ReplyDeleteI love how you place it in its moment, alongside The Graduate, and yet make it clear that it still holds up. The contrast between Harold’s confusion and Maude’s hard-won joy sounds powerful.
Thanks
Lotte x
You'll like it!
DeleteThis is one of my favourite movies as well! I took L to see it at the local movie theatre at the university when we were first together, and afterwards, he thanked me for introducing him to it. For me, it's head and shoulders above The Graduate.
ReplyDeleteI agree.
DeleteOooh, I will suggest this to my husband as we are always looking for things to watch. Thank you for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen it, but your description makes me think it must be good.
ReplyDelete